Listen up: how to shed those unwanted kilos

Minister Abbott's opening line; "Information nearly always trumps ignorance," is perfectly correct. Finding the right information is a lot harder than the minister implies. The gossip mags nearly always offer a new diet in each issue and there are more Hollywood star diets than Hollywood stars.

In the last 10 years Australians that fall into the obese category as defined by the Dept of Health rose from 25 per cent to 60 per cent. No wonder Qantas is looking to widen their seats.

But if you are one of the Australians in this category wanting to shed some kilos or just want get a bit fitter take note. The next time you see a gym buddy or walking companion exercising while listening to their iPod don't immediately think they're pumping to the beat. Chances are they are in the middle of a personal training workout session via one of the myriad of podcasts now available.

The Burning 20 podcast. "20 Minutes, 20 Weeks, 20 Pounds... A humorous account from podcaster Adam Tinkoff, keeping his 2006 resolution to burn 20 pounds in 20 weeks." This is a diary style podcast of a guy who tried to burn off 20 pounds (that's 9.07 kg for the rest of us). And succeeded. He is a regular guy/geek who did his own research on what was the right food and exercise for his body. While the details may not be right for every one, the process is. This podcast is an interesting human experiment because it kept him honest, as he was accountable to his audience.

If you are already on your way you might like to check out some of the podcasts created by personal trainers. This category is pretty chockers with choice. No matter what your specific level of fitness, diet, choice of exercise or motivation is, there's a podcast for you.

Two good places to start are iTunes Music Store Podcast Directory and at Podcast Alley.

The health category in iTunes Podcast Directory throws up over 1200 different podcasts so try and be specific in your searching to help get to the podcasts that are right for you to achieve your goals.

Try out the ones that fit your goals. If it doesn't work for you, delete your subscription.

But if like me you feel you might like to drop a kilo or twenty or more, there is a great deal of podcasting support for you. And unlike the traditional methods of weight loss from a can, or a book or a gym it will cost you nothing.

Rating: 4 sweaty kilometres on a treadmill.

Posted
by SJ HutcheonMay 15, 2006 5:00 PM

LATEST COMMENTS

I've found a couple of good bodybuilding ones - shredtalk seems ok and awesome muscles is good. US though. There is a pay per use one I think that is Aus - itrainer.com. Why pay $30 a month though when you can get it for free?

Posted by: Trevor on May 16, 2006 4:53 PM

I was about to sign up to a series of personal training sessions this week, but i think i might hold off till i try a few sessions with a Pod-Trainer. Thanks for saving me money Podman!!

Posted by: Justin on May 17, 2006 6:34 PM

Interesting.
Perhaps all newcomers to serious fitness training should consider going on-line before going to the gym.
Who'd have thought being an internet geek could help you become a jock?

Posted by: Rubyman on May 18, 2006 10:26 PM

Its great that the fitness industry and Podcasting have met, it seems a match made in heaven.

There is some good free fitness podcasts out there. I personally like Marina's Hi Energy Fitness Podcast.

The premium services like iTrainer.com.au also support Podcasting, and seem to have a bunch of other features like SMS reminders etc.

In my experience, the music quality and professional fitness advice that iTrainer offers, make it worth the extra few bucks for those serious about getting fit or losing weight.